Netanyahu signs deal with religious party

Israeli prime minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu inched closer to forming a government on Monday, signing his second coalition deal as he waited for the divided centre-left Labour party to decide whether to join his cabinet.

An agreement between Mr Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and the ultra-Orthodox Shas was reached overnight, officials said.

The religious party will receive four portfolios in the new cabinet, including interior, housing and religious affairs. The fourth minister will be without portfolio.

The move brings Mr Netanyahu one step closer to forming a government following last week's signing of a deal with the ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party led by firebrand Avigdor Lieberman, due to become foreign minister.

Moscow's words and actions — including the alleged poisoning of a former spy — are not the results of random aggression but rather fall into distinct patterns that can help us anticipate Russia's next moves under Vladimir Putin.